Count on Change

I remember so vividly when each of our three children was a baby.

It seems like yesterday, even though it’s been a while now. We’re in the throes of elementary school art shows, middle school softball games – and maybe a few siblings fights in between. That’s one cliche you can definitely believe- time flies when you’re having fun.

Anyone out there who has done this whole mothering thing before might agree that we tend to relax a bit with subsequent children. The 10,000 things the worried you with your first baby finally ease down to about 9,000 and so on as your family and heart grow. But seriously- do any of us know what we are doing as new mamas?

GIPHY

I’ve always been a natural nurturer, a dedicated babysitter and devoted aunt before I became a mom myself. Honestly, none of it prepared me for the real thing. Looking back, if someone could have told me one thing to help ease the emotional pains of early motherhood and to make those sleepless weeks and months (and dare I say, years…) just a little easier, it would have been this:

The first year as a new mamma is so filled with change that it is hard to keep up with it.

But as your baby rapidly grows from a tiny little bundle to a walking, talking ball of energy, you know you can always expect one thing– can you guess by now what it is? Yep- you got it I’m sure: change. And though you can expect and prepare and research forever, it’s ultimately out of your control. Go easy on yourself and put fewer expectations on your journey into motherhood, I promise it will evolve beautifully on its own. Surround yourself with supportive people, ask for help when you need it, take naps when you can and remember that the one thing you can definitely count on.

Eileen Snider

Friendseze, CLC, IBCLC, Postpartum Doula

Eileen is mom to three outrageous kids: aspiring Olympic softball star (12); in house prankster (10); and card shark (8).